A primary healthcare provider prescribes 30 mL/kg of 0.9% saline to a client weighing 236 pounds. How many mL should be infused?

A primary healthcare provider prescribes 30 mL/kg of 0.9% saline to a client weighing 236 pounds. How many mL should be infused?

• A. 3000 mL
• B. 3218 mL
• C. 3500 mL
• D. 3600 mL

Answer: (B)

The key idea is to convert the patient’s weight to kilograms and then apply the per-kilogram dose. Use a quick conversion: 1 kilogram ≈ 2.2 pounds. So the weight in kilograms is 236 ÷ 2.2 ≈ 107.27 kg. Multiply by the prescribed amount per kilogram: 107.27 kg × 30 mL/kg ≈ 3218 mL. Rounding to the nearest milliliter gives about 3218 mL, which is about 3.22 liters. This matches the option that aligns with the weight-based calculation using a 2.2 lb/kg conversion. If you used a more exact conversion (2.2046), you’d get a result slightly lower (around 3210 mL), but 3218 mL is the closest standard value for quick clinical dosing.

The key idea is to convert the patient’s weight to kilograms and then apply the per-kilogram dose. Use a quick conversion: 1 kilogram ≈ 2.2 pounds. So the weight in kilograms is 236 ÷ 2.2 ≈ 107.27 kg. Multiply by the prescribed amount per kilogram: 107.27 kg × 30 mL/kg ≈ 3218 mL. Rounding to the nearest milliliter gives about 3218 mL, which is about 3.22 liters. This matches the option that aligns with the weight-based calculation using a 2.2 lb/kg conversion. If you used a more exact conversion (2.2046), you’d get a result slightly lower (around 3210 mL), but 3218 mL is the closest standard value for quick clinical dosing.